Decontamination
When steam enters the autoclave chamber and contacts with the load, it is important that the steam collapses (condenses) on each item. This is in order for the heat to be released to the load. However, the formation of water must be discharged through condensate management or re-vaporised to prevent contamination of the load items. One reason wet loads can occur is that the condensate becomes separated from the condensation energy and therefore cannot re-evaporate. Inferior quality steam can also lead to wet loads; therefore, steam needs to have a certain level of dryness. The moisture content of the steam (dryness
fraction) is measured as the weight of dry steam present in a mixture of dry saturated steam and entrained water. Inadequate steam quality (insufficient dryness) can lead to excessive condensate formation within the autoclave. This can arise when excessive demands are placed on the steam supply (the boiler). Wet steam is steam at saturation temperature containing more than 5% water. Wet steam lowers the heat transfer efficiency of steam, which results in an inefficient sterilisation procedure.6
Some reasons for this include:
l Where steam pipes are not properly insulated steam will condense in the pipe.
l The water separator should be close to the autoclave.
l If pipes run down towards the steriliser, this can cause steam to condense.
l If a steam generator does not have sufficient capacity for the autoclave, pressure drop may occur at times of peak demand for steam and a “carry over” of water can happen.
Steam quality can be assessed by measuring the condensate discharge just ahead of the steriliser. The measurement of steam quality is known as the dryness fraction, and this is dependent upon the steam flow rate. Removal of the excess water is also important to prevent insulation of the load from the steam (water or damp spots on the load insulate the intended product from achieving temperature by clogging the pores of packed loads and this prevents the steam from properly penetrating wrapped loads or sealed pouches).7
Furthermore, there is a
post-contamination risk. If the instruments or products absorb too much humidity, resulting in wet loads at process termination, this dampness is an optimal habitat for bacteria to thrive. This becomes a concern if, when the sterile barrier system is still wet, the wrapping loses its bacterial barrier properties and therefore there is a major risk
If the instruments or products absorb too much humidity, resulting in wet loads at process termination, this dampness is an optimal habitat for bacteria to thrive
of contamination. In addition to issues of sterility, wetness can cause corrosion or spotting on the instrument being sterilised. This can cause irreparable damage. Repeated occurrences of wet loads are indicative of a major fault with the autoclave. Malfunctioning steam straps: Problems with
the operation of steam traps can also lead to wet load issues. Steam traps are intended to discharge condensate while not allowing the escape of live steam. Problems can arise if the steam trap is not functioning correctly. To guard
against this, the jacket steam trap should be inspected, along with the valve at the drain port, to ensure that they are clear and functioning properly. Too much steam at too fast a rate can result in excessive water formation that might overwhelm or “swamp” steam traps. Therefore, steam traps need to be properly sized during the autoclave design phase. Non-condensable gases: Non-condensable gasses affect steam quality. Non‐condensable gases (such as air, nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and hydrogen
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www.brandon-medical.com November 2024 I
www.clinicalservicesjournal.com 35
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